Saint Joseph of Arimathea Asking Pilate for the Body of Jesus(Franciscan Media) The actions of these two influential Jewish leaders give insight to the charismatic power of Jesus, His teachings and the risks that may be involved in following our Blessed Redeemer.
Saint Joseph of Arimathea was a respected, wealthy civic leader who had become a disciple of Jesus–Following Jesus’ death, Joseph obtained Jesus’ body from Pilate, wrapped it in fine linen and buried Him in the tomb. —John 19:38-42 For these reasons Joseph is the ‘Patron Saint of Funeral Directors and Pallbearers’ — More importantly, is the courage Joseph showed in asking Pilate for Jesus’ body. Jesus who had been condemned a criminal was publicly executed.
Jesus and Nicodemus –Image: Wikipedia
Saint Nicodemus was a Pharisee and we know from Scripture that he was a ‘Member of the Jewish Ruling Council’ and that he went to Jesus secretly at night to better understand salvation and what is meant by being born again? —John 3:1-21
Later Nicodemus spoke up for Jesus when the Chief Priests and Pharisees were accusing Him of blasphemy —John 7:32-51 and subsequently assisted Saint Joseph of Arimathea in Jesus’ burial.
Related: More About St. Joseph of Arimathea here from EWTN and St. Nicodemus here from New Advent